# LeBron James helps 76ers depth problem

> LeBron James fills 76ers center void with versatile play.
- Title: LeBron James helps 76ers depth problem · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: LeBron James fills 76ers center void with versatile play. LeBron James can play center to help Philadelphia 76ers overcome center depth issues after Ariel…
- Keywords: lebron james, philadelphia 76ers, nba, center depth problem, adeb bon, dominick barlow, joel embiid, nick nurse, preseason, 2026-27 season, basketball, sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/lebron-james-76ers-depth-problem-at-center
- Published: 2026-10-08T19:21:47+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: lebron james, philadelphia 76ers, nba, center depth problem, adeb bon, dominick barlow, joel embiid, nick nurse, preseason, 2026-27 season, basketball, sports
## 76ers center depth problem
Philadelphia 76ers have a center depth problem after Ariel Hukporti tore his Achilles in preseason opener.

> The luxury of my game is that I can do everything
## LeBron James signed for minimum
76ers signed LeBron James for minimum salary to address center depth issue.

> Literally, I can do everything
## James plays small-ball five
James has played small-ball five in recent games but not much before.

> I think LeBron is another candidate
## James center stats
James played 2,133 possessions as center in 2021-22 season with 115.6 offensive rating.

> James played nearly as many possessions there as Embiid played all of last season
## Offensive rebounding issue
James center lineups ranked 38th percentile or worse on offensive rebounds.

> They were a very good offensive rebounding team with Andre Drummond on the floor
## Defensive concerns
James center lineups had poor defensive rating with 115.9 defensive rating.

> The defense was usually bad and often miserable
## Physical demands
James is 42 years old with arthritis in his foot and sciatica last season.

> James is already dealing with arthritis in his foot and had sciatica in back last season
## 76ers strategy
76ers should use LeBron James center role in right matchups and when circumstances demand.

> So long as the 76ers strike the right balance, it's going to be a useful tool
## Key takeaway

LeBron James can play center to help Philadelphia 76ers overcome center depth issues after Ariel Hukporti tore his Achilles.